The Chinese Grand Prix and guide to Shanghai

This weekend will see the third race in the F1 season take place at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.
The race will take place on Sunday at 8am if you’re watching from the UK but if you’re lucky enough to be going to Shanghai to watch the race, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you plan your trip.

Impress Your Mates On The Plane – Did you know?

The name Shanghai means ”over the sea”

It is the largest city in China.

The Shanghai International Circuit cost $240 million to build and required 40,000 stone pillars to stabilise it before building could commence (as the track was built on marshland).

The 2012 Chinese Grand Prix will be the ninth race to be held in Shanghai.

How To Get To The Circuit

The track is 40km from the centre of the town, out in Jiading. The easiest way to get to the track is by car but by law you must hire a driver if you are a non-Chinese citizen.Alternatively the Shanghai Circuit Metro Station is open this year for the Grand Prix and is only a 10 minute walk from the track.

Finding Bars and Restaurants

Chinese Yuan (also known as Renminbi, rmb for short) is the official and legal currency in Shanghai and on average a beer will set you back £3.75 (depending on where you are in the city).
For some of the best restaurants head over to the Bund or Xin Tian Di district. East of the Huangpu River in Shanghai’s Pudong district is where you’ll find most of the major bars and clubs. If you’re looking to go out on the weekend of the Grand Prix, F1 Riviera Events is teaming up with Bar Rouge this year and throwing a joint launch party and wrap party for the Grand Prix.
However, as the closest five-star hotel to the circuit and one of the prime sponsors of the event, the Doubletree by Hilton at Huaqiao-Kunshanmay may be your best chance to bump into F1 pros.

Shopping

If you’re looking for the best places to shop there are four main roads to look out for; Nanjing Road, North Sichuan Road, Huaihai Road and Middle Tibet Road. There are also four main “shopping cities” heralded as the best shopping destinations in Shanghai.

If after the race, you plan to extend your stay, Shanghai has enough to keep you occupied throughout your visit;

One of the most well-known attractions is the Shanghai TV Tower ‘The Oriental Pearl’. It’s been featured (most often destroyed) in movies such as Mission Impossible 3, Godzilla: Final Wars and is widely considered a symbol of Shanghai.

Located on Nanjing Road in the Huangpu District, the peoples square is a garden-type open space in the heart of the city. It’s located near the municipal government building and other landmarks, including the Shanghai Museum and the Shanghai Grand Theatre.
Other places to visit in Shanghai include; the Jade Budha temple, YuYuan garden and Shanghai Circus World amongst others.

Not Going to Shangai or watching the Grand Prix?

If you can’t be at the race in Shanghai or don’t fancy watching it on Sunday, there’s a whole host of things to do wherever you may be.

Dallas

On Saturday in Dallas, the big Texas beer fest will be featuring 80-100 breweries with 300+ beers from all over the world. By the time the race starts at two in the morning, you’ll be far too busy sleeping off the effects of this Texas festival.

Perth

The second season of rooftop movies starts this month in Perth. On Sunday watch live Jazz pre and post screening of a cinema classic, The Night of the Hunter.

Sydney

Every Sunday at Darling Harbour, learn Salsa dancing from 8.30pm with Cuban star “El Moro” from Buena Vista Dance. Afterwards party to the best Salsa, Merengue and Bachata music played by some of best Latin DJs in Australia.

Kuwait

If you’re in Kuwait City and looking for something to do, why not head down to the Souk Al- Mubarakiya, a traditional Arabian flea and street market.

Milton Keynes

‘Our Sporting Life Milton Keynes’ exhibit is still on show at the Doubletree Hilton, stadiumMK. From MK Dons trophies to Red Bull’s formula one car nosecone and wing, take a trip and explore the exhibit and memorabilia celebrating all local sporting history.
Elsewhere in the UK, why not have a lay in and watch ‘Sunday Brunch’ on Channel 4, 10am. After something for the weekend was axed on the BBC, C4 has picked up the show and has kept Tim LoveJoy and Simon Rimmer as presenters but given the show a new lease of life as the Sunday Brunch.

Andrew JarmanThe Chinese Grand Prix and guide to Shanghai04.11.2012

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About the Author

Andrew Jarman

Andrew Jarman - Motorsport Recruitment Manager at TXM RecruitAndrew has over 10 years' experience in the recruitment industry and specialises in placing Motorsport candidates. Alongside this, Andrew also enjoys a successful career as a semi-professional driver competing at various events.
About Andrew in his own words:
"I started like a lot of people moving into recruitment, focusing purely on the candidate side of the recruitment process as a Resourcer. For me this was without doubt the best route into recruitment and a great learning experience, understanding industry specific terminology, roles, responsibilities and overall market knowledge. After about a year I was promoted to Recruitment Consultant, making me responsible for winning and supporting my own client base. Ten years on and I'm still here, combining my passion for Motorsport with helping young aspiring engineers to find their perfect job."